Mendelsohn, Benjamin

Instructor Name: Mendelsohn, Benjamin

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Why are you a Certified Flight Instructor?I love aviation and I love to teach. I have been an educator since the seventies and, when I'm not teaching flying, I am teaching Astronomy.How long have you been instructing?I've been teaching Kindergarten-College since the seventies and flight instructing at West Valley since 1997. Do you tend to favor PAO or SQL, and how might it affect a student's ability to schedule time?I tend to favor teaching at PAO, but I also have had students at SQL. How would you describe your availability in general?I am primarily available in the afternoons, evenings and weekends. What method of ground school do you prefer and how does it relate to your syllabus?Since folks tend to learn in different ways, I usually work with the student to find what method suits them best: formal ground school or self-paced study. I ask my private pilot students to complete their written exams before flying solo cross country. What is your favorite aircraft to instruct in?I started my training in the Cessna 150/152 and still think this trainer is one of the best aircraft to learn in, though two large adults may find the quarters of this two-seat aircraft a bit cramped. Many of my students prefer to start their training in a four place aircraft which affords more room, is faster and generally have more radio and navigation equipment. Much of my instruction has been given in Cessna 172, Cessna172SP, Piper Warrior and Piper Archer aircraft. What are your aircraft recommendations for a new student?Shop around for the most comfortable situation for you; a club you like and an instructor that you communicate well with. You will be many hours together. What percentage of your students pass their checkride on the first try?I've only had two cases where a student didn't pass the first time."Aviation, Astronomy and Music are my passions. I started flying at Oakland airport in the mid seventies and have flown with several bay area clubs,and am a hot air balloon (student) pilot, as well as and an aircraft owner. My degrees are in engineering: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering. I am presently working on my PhD in science education. I teach astronomy at a community college and I study operatic voice in my free time."